How to Become a Teacher in Rhode Island

The smallest state in the union, Rhode Island offers competitive teacher benefits and excellent student/teacher ratios for the classroom. Rhode Island does not currently offer alternative routes to teacher certification, although many opportunities do exist to become certified and advance current certification.

How to become a teacher in Rhode Island - traditional route for residents

Every new teacher in Rhode Island will need to become qualified for a certificate of eligibility for employment, which is valid for three years. To receive this certificate, prospective teachers must:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited or approved institute of higher education
• Complete an approved program for teacher preparation within the past five years, or
• Become certified by transcript analysis that shows six semester hours of student teaching and 24 semester hours of specific teaching coursework.
• Receive a passing score on Rhode Island Content Knowledge and Content Area Exercises tests.

How to become a teacher in RI - alternative route for residents

According to the Rhode Island Department of Education, this state is not currently implementing any alternative routes to certification.

How to become a teacher in RI - for out-of-state teacher applicants

Out of state applicants must:

• Have earned a bachelor’s degree in a field related to subject area
• Hold a teaching license that is clear of default
• Have taught under that license for three of the last seven years in the state that issued the license
• Be willing to obtain a Rhode Island teaching license within three years

How do I become a teacher in Rhode Island - necessary exams for residents

Teachers in the state of Rhode Island must prove their knowledge of core subjects and specialized subject areas through passing a series of tests known as the Praxis I and the Praxis II. All teachers must pass the Praxis I, which tests reading, writing, and math. The Praxis II tests individual subjects, such as history and foreign languages. Elementary school teachers must pass the Elementary Education Praxis II test.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in Rhode Island?

For aspiring elementary school teachers, Rhode Island does not specify subject areas for bachelor degrees. Education coursework, however, is preferable, and many universities offer both bachelor and certification courses simultaneously.

Potential secondary teachers must major in the subject they wish to teach. This designates them as highly qualified according to federal law.

What is a teacher preparation program in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Department of Education focuses teacher education into three key areas: reading, writing, and math. Holding teachers accountable for student performance is key in Rhode Island, and teachers must be familiar with assessments and teach to state standards. Other aspects of teacher preparation programs include student teaching and classroom observation.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island teachers must complete 20 semester hour credits during each 5 year renewal period. These credits must relate to education, and the specific subject area in which a teacher is working.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in RI?

The following websites have additional information about how to become a teacher in Rhode Island:

• Rhode Island Educator Quality Program

  This site outlines methods of becoming certified in Rhode Island and renewal options.

• Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

  This government site outlines essential areas of recruiting and benefits for teachers in Rhode Island.